DHS' Schlittler named Social Worker of the Year

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Connie Schlittler, Program Administrator for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Planning, Research and Statistics, has been chosen the 2015 Social Worker of the Year by the Oklahoma chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The award will be presented to Schlittler at the NASW state conference on April 28.

“It’s very nice to be recognized by my colleagues,” said Schlitter,” but the greatest reward for me is making a difference and helping improve the lives of Oklahomans. I hope the award is a way to inspire social workers to consider career opportunities in state government and at DHS.”

Schlittler, a licensed clinical social worker, joined DHS in 2006. She is responsible for grant writing, program evaluation and statistical reports for the agency. She initiated the Practice and Policy Lecture Series in 2007 and the Oklahoma Women’s Leadership Conference for Women in Public Service in 2009. Schlittler has more than 20 years’ experience in community mental health services and holds degrees in social work and public administration from the University of Oklahoma. Governor Mary Fallin appointed Schlittler to the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers in 2013.

“Social work core values include being of service to others, social justice, and valuing the dignity and worth of the individual,” Schlittler said. “These values invigorate my work every day. This is certainly what DHS is about as well.”

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